28 May 2024
Newcastle
8 nights
Balmoral
The cruise at a glance
The Olsen Way Highlights
We have designed this itinerary to take you on a discovery of natural wonders and wildlife found close to home, yet off the beaten track, amongst remote Scottish isles. You will be joined on board by wildlife charity ORCA, whose team of enthusiasts will help you spot sea birds, whales and dolphins from Balmoral. Discover Orkney’s fascinating history in the well-preserved Viking town of Kirkwall or on a tour to the Neolithic village of Skara Brae, and learn about Shetland’s farming traditions accompanied by a local crofter. Your smaller ship can dock in Lerwick, while scenic diversions are planned to show you sites such as the Small Isles, the volcanic formations of Bac Mòr and the basalt columns of Fingal’s Cave.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
ORCA
As part of our on board Itinerary Insights experiences, join members of the ORCA volunteer team to locate and identify whales, dolphins and other cetacean species. The findings will enable ORCA to collect vital data on marine wildlife and identify areas of the waters around Scotland which are potential wildlife hotspots.
Crofting Shetland
Visit the Shetland croft, ‘Keolka’, and enjoy an authentic crofting experience with a local crofter and his sheepdogs. Observe a working sheepdog demonstration and learn about their training, and understand more about the life of a crofter throughout the different seasons of the year. You’ll also have the opportunity to discover more about the culture and heritage of the Shetlands.
Fingal’s Cave
Looming metres high from the ocean, Fingal’s Cave has been shaped by nature over 60 million years. Said to be the adjoining piece of road to the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, the distinctive and symmetrical columns of this basalt sea cave give the illusion of a contemporary piece of art. Many native seabirds congregate here, including puffins, razorbills and guillemots.
Life On Board
Introducing Balmoral
Beautiful Balmoral is small enough to navigate some of Europe’s most picturesque waterways so guests can enjoy hours of scenic cruising. Balmoral retains a warm, civilised atmosphere and features comfortable accommodation, stylish restaurants and plenty of open deck space.
Balmoral
Beautiful Balmoral is small enough to navigate Europe’s most picturesque waterways so guests can enjoy hours of scenic cruising. Balmoral offers a warm, civilised atmosphere and features comfortable accommodation, stylish restaurants and plenty of open-deck space.
Our Signature Experiences
To make your experience even more special, our Journey Planners have designed a unique programme of Signature Experiences which will allow you to discover real insights about the culture and nature of the places we are visiting, so you can arrive in each destination fully prepared to get the most out of your visit.
We have carefully curated a programme of events to give you a deeper understanding of each of the destinations you will be visiting
Our Scenic Discoveries are designed to allow you to enjoy seeing the world from the unique perspective of our ships
Maritime is in our DNA - our history in shipping goes back almost 200 years
There’s very little in the natural world more beautiful than a clear night sky, sunrise or sunset seen at sea
We love to bring a taste of the region's food, drink, local tastes and culinary traditions to life on board
Cabins, Prices & Offers
Cabin Options On Your Cruise
* Prices correct as of 18:00 22/09/2023, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on two people sharing a twin cabin. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.
* Prices correct as of 18:00 22/09/2023, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on sole occupancy. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.
Cabin Grades
Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)
Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £3,099 pp |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £2,699 pp |
|---|
360°
Superior Ocean View (A)
Higher on the ship, these cabins offer views from large picture windows.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,099 pp |
|---|
360°
Superior Interior Cabin (G)
G Grade Superior Inside cabins on Balmoral are perfect for a relaxing cruise
| Freedom Fare | From £1,449 pp |
|---|
360°
Single Balcony Cabin (J)
On Lido Deck 8, Balmoral's J Grade Balcony cabins have a picture window
| Freedom Fare | From £3,699 pp |
|---|
360°
Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)
Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £5,888.10 |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £5,128.10 |
|---|
360°
Superior Ocean View (A)
Higher on the ship, these cabins offer views from large picture windows.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,988.10 |
|---|
360°
Superior Interior Cabin (G)
G Grade Superior Inside cabins on Balmoral are perfect for a relaxing cruise
| Freedom Fare | From £2,753.10 |
|---|
360°
Single Balcony Cabin (J)
On Lido Deck 8, Balmoral's J Grade Balcony cabins have a picture window
| Freedom Fare | From £3,699 |
|---|
360°
What's Included
SO MUCH ALREADY INCLUDED
As well as our Signature Experiences, there is a host of other treats to enjoy on board our ships.
Dining & Lounges
- À la carte breakfast, lunch & dinner
- Daily buffet dining options
- Late night Supper Club
- Afternoon tea
- Self-service tea & coffee
- In-cabin dining & snacks
Treats & Pastimes
- Evening shows
- Live music & dancing
- Dance classes
- Lectures & talks
- Cookery demonstrations
- Traditional deck games
- Daily games & quizzes
Relaxation & Fitness
- Swimming Pools
- Jacuzzis
- Fitness Centre
- Fitness Classes
Treats & Pastimes
In addition to our Signature Experiences, we have a selection of lovely Treats & Pastimes for you to enjoy when on board. Just check your Daily Times each day for full details.
Enhance your cruise
Each of our cruises has been carefully designed for you to get the very best out of your time on board; and now you can enhance your cruise to make it even more special.
Need Some Help?
Take a look at our FAQ's
What do I pack for a cruise?
The handy checklist below has been created to assist in making sure you remember all the important things to pack for your cruise.
Are there any visa requirements I need to be aware of?
Visa and health requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you check with a professionally qualified source and comply with such requirements. UK passport holders will need visas for certain Fred. Olsen cruise holidays and will advised at the time of booking. Your cruise booking information will also detail any requirements applicable to your holiday.
What's the difference between Freedom and Saver fares?
On certain sailings we offer two types of cruise fares; Freedom and Saver Fares.
I'm travelling alone, how will I get to meet people?
Our single guests feel right at home on board our ships; Fred. Olsen have the reputation of sailing the friendliest fleet afloat.
How do I get off the ship if we're at anchor?
Disembarking when your ship's at anchor is a very different experience to when it's docked portside. Getting ashore in this instance often involves the use of the ship's tender, which is accessed via the steps of a secure gangway.